Efficacy of Bismuth Therapy in Eradicating Helicobacter pylori in Children-Data From the RENIHp Registry.

OBJECTIVES: To evaluate the efficacy of colloidal bismuth subcitrate (CBS) therapy for the eradication of H. pylori in patients from a national pediatric registry of H. pylori infection. METHODS: The Spanish Registry of Children with H. pylori Infection (RENIHp) is a national, multi-center, prospective, non-interventional registry that includes children aged 5-18 years with H. pylori infection diagnosed by endoscopy. All patients in the registry who were treated with CBS between the period 2020 and 2023 were included in this study. The primary outcome was the eradication rate, which was assessed using a 13C-urea breath test or monoclonal antigen in the stool 6-8 weeks post-treatment. RESULTS: The registry included 682 patients, 38 (5.6%) of whom underwent treatment with CBS. Fifty percent (19/38) of patients had previously undergone unsuccessful eradication treatment. In 78.9% (30/38) of patients, treatment was guided by an antibiotic sensitivity test. In the remaining patients, an empirical approach was employed. The CBS therapies used were as follows: quadruple therapy with proton pump inhibitors (PPIs), CBS, amoxicillin, and metronidazole (MET) [18/38 (47.3%)]; quadruple therapy with PPIs, CBS, tetracycline, and MET [13/38 (34.2%)]; and other therapies [7/38 (18.4%)]. Thirty-two patients (84.2%) treated with CBS were followed-up with eradication monitoring. The overall eradication rate in patients treated with CBS was 93.8% (30/32, [95% CI: 85.4%-100%]), whereas it was 86.7% in patients in the registry who were not on CBS treatment (430/496, [95% CI: 83.3%-89.5%], p = 0.208). In the six patients with dual resistance to clarithromycin (CLA) and MET who were treated with quadruple therapy with CBS, the eradication rate was 100% (n = 6/6, [95% CI: 61.0%-100%]). CONCLUSION: CBS therapies in our registry, although only used in selected cases and at lower than recommended levels, were very effective and showed an eradication rate of > 90%.

Antibiotic susceptibility of orofacial infections in Bratislava: a 10-year retrospective study.

OBJECTIVES: Aim of this study was to analyse causal microbiological agents and their bacterial resistance in orofacial infections requiring hospital admission. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Presented is a 10-year retrospective study of patients hospitalised at a single department in 2014-2023. 744 patients were involved. In the statistical analysis, following data was evaluated: causal microbes and their resistance to Penicillin, Amoxicillin-Clavulanate, Clindamycin and Metronidazole. RESULTS: Most frequent aetiology was odontogenic with causal tooth in socket (n = 468; 62,9%), followed by odontogenic - post extraction (n = 152; 20.4%), jaw fracture (n = 41; 5.5%), sialadenitis n = 31 (4.2%), osteonecrosis n = 22 (3.0%), oncological diagnosis in head and neck (n = 17; 2.3%), unknown (n = 10; 1.3%) and multiple factors (n = 3; 0.4%). 408 patients (54.8%) underwent extraoral abscess revision, 336 patients (45.2%) patients were treated locally without extraoral revision. In odontogenic group with tooth still present, superior CRP (m = 145.8 mg/l; SD = 117.7) and leukocyte values (m = 13.6*109l; SD = 6.6) were observed in comparison to other groups. There were 698 cultivated bacteria in 362 patients. Most frequent bacteria were Streptococci (n = 162; 23.2%), Prevotella (n = 83; 11.2%) and Parvimonas (n = 65; 9.3%). Clindamycin resistance was highest (n = 180 resistant bacteria; 25.8%), followed by Metronidazole (n = 178; 25.5%), Penicillin (n = 107; 15.3%) and Amoxicillin-Clavulanate (n = 34; 4.9%). CONCLUSIONS: Orofacial infections in head and neck region are mostly of odontogenic origin with causal tooth still in socket. Causal bacteria show a high antibiotic resistance rate, especially to Clindamycin and Metronidazole. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Acquired data will be used to determine guidelines for empirical antibiotic prescription in cases of orofacial infections.

Antibiotic prescription patterns in the emergency department of a tertiary healthcare center in Nepal: a descriptive cross-sectional study.

OBJECTIVE: To describe antibiotic prescription patterns in the emergency department (ED) of a tertiary healthcare center in Nepal. METHODS: This was a descriptive cross-sectional study of hospital records of patients who visited the ED. RESULTS: Of the 758 ED patients included in the study, 384 (50.6%) received a total of 536 antibiotic prescriptions. Common indications for antibiotic prescriptions included respiratory infection (37.5%), gastrointestinal infection (19.3%), urinary infection (10.4%), and prophylaxis (29.9%). Antibiotics listed as essential in the National List of Essential Medicines (NLEM) and generic formulations were used in 77.1% and 61.9% of the antibiotic prescriptions, respectively. Injectable antibiotics were prescribed to 54.9% of the 384 patients. Frequently prescribed antibiotics included ceftriaxone (34.1%), metronidazole (18.5%), amoxicillin + clavulanic acid (15.9%), and cefixime (14.3%). Bacterial culture testing was performed in 15.1% of the patients who received antibiotics. CONCLUSIONS: This study showed that overuse of antibiotics, prescription of branded antibiotics, prescription of antibiotics not listed in the NLEM, prophylactic use of antibiotics, and empirical treatment of suspected infections without isolation of pathogens were all prevalent. We recommend more research to determine the causes underlying these practices and develop interventions to limit such practices.

Successful Treatment of Angiolymphoid Hyperplasia with Eosinophilia Associated with Scalp Demodicosis Using Cryotherapy and Topical Metronidazole.

Angiolymphoid hyperplasia with eosinophilia (ALHE) is a rare, benign, vasoproliferative tumour. We report a 25-year-old female patient who reported in 2021 to a dermatology clinic in Rustaq, Oman, with multiple, grouped, erythematous dome-shaped papules and nodules of 6 months duration on the left temporo-occipital region. Biopsy findings were consistent with a diagnosis of ALHE with evidence of Demodex mite infestation in the sebaceous ducts. The patient demonstrated significant improvement following 7 weeks of treatment with multiple cryotherapy sessions and topical application of metronidazole gel. This case suggests that scalp demodicosis may represent a novel trigger for the development of ALHE.

The effect of calcium hydroxide and double antibiotic paste on radiographic outcomes and periapical MMP-8 levels in regenerative endodontic procedures: a randomized clinical trial.

OBJECTIVE: The primary goal is to evaluate the effects of two different intracanal medicaments, calcium hydroxide [Ca(OH)2] and double antibiotic paste (DAP), on radiographic outcomes during regenerative endodontic procedures (REP) of immature permanent mandibular first molars with symptomatic irreversible pulpitis and symptomatic apical periodontitis (SIP/SAP). Additionally, the secondary goal was to evaluate MMP-8 levels during REP using two different intracanal medicaments. METHODOLOGY: The study included 20 patients with immature mandibular first molars exhibiting SIP/SAP. Participants were randomly assigned into two groups based on the applied intracanal medicament. Ca(OH)2 (n=10) was prepared by mixing it with sterile distilled water, while the same amount of powdered metronidazole and ciprofloxacin were mixed and combined with sterile distilled water for DAP (n=10). MMP-8 in periapical samples were measured at baseline and on the 14th day using immunofluorometric assay. Image-J software with TurboReg plug-in was utilized to determine changes in root length, root width, radiographic root area (RRA) during the 12-month follow-up period. Data were analyzed by SPSS 25.0 (p<.05). RESULTS: Significant increase in MMP-8 on the 14th day compared to baseline in both groups (p<0.001). There was no significant difference between the two groups in terms of the increase in MMP-8 (p>0.05). Root length significantly increased in both groups (p=0.001), with Ca(OH)2 showing a greater increase (p=0.046). Root width and RRA increased similarly in both groups at 12th month. CONCLUSION: Both Ca(OH)2 and DAP applications resulted in a significant increase in periapical MMP-8 levels. Increase in radiographic root width and root area was similar between two groups, but Ca(OH)2 led to a significantly greater increase in root length. Further studies with larger sample sizes are necessary to validate our findings during REP of vital immature permanent mandibular molars. Clinical Trials database: NCT05581706.

Optimization of Minocycline-Containing Bismuth Quadruple Therapy for Helicobacter pylori Rescue Treatment: A Real-World Evidence Study.

BACKGROUND: The optimal dosage of minocycline remains unclear for Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) eradication. We aimed to evaluate the efficacy and safety of four different regimens with minocycline and metronidazole compared to classical bismuth quadruple therapy for H. pylori rescue treatment. MATERIALS AND METHODS: From March 2021 to March 2024, refractory H. pylori-infected patients with at least two previous treatment failures who received 14-day therapy with b.i.d. proton pump inhibitor 20 mg and bismuth 220 mg, plus tetracycline 400 mg q.i.d and metronidazole 400 mg q.i.d (BQT), or minocycline 50 mg q.i.d and metronidazole 400 mg q.i.d (PBMn4M4), or minocycline 50 mg t.i.d and metronidazole 400 mg t.i.d (PBMn3M3), or minocycline 50 mg b.i.d and metronidazole 400 mg q.i.d (PBMn2M4), or minocycline 50 mg b.i.d and metronidazole 400 mg t.i.d (PBMn2M3) were included in this retrospective study. H. pylori eradication was assessed by 13C-urea breath test at least 6 weeks after treatment. All adverse effects during treatment were recorded. RESULTS: Totally, 823 patients were enrolled: 251 with BQT, 97 with PBMn4M4, 191 with PBMn3M3, 108 with PBMn2M4, and 176 with PBMn2M3. The eradication rates of BQT, PBMn4M4, PBMn3M3, PBMn2M4, and PBMn2M3 were 89.2%, 87.6%, 91.6%, 88.0%, and 91.5%, respectively, by intention-to-treat analysis; 96.1%, 97.7%, 97.8%, 96.9%, and 97.6%, respectively, by modified intention-to-treat analysis; 97.1%, 97.5%, 97.7%, 96.8%, and 97.6%, respectively, by per-protocol analysis. Metronidazole resistance did not affect the efficacy of all groups. PBMn2M3 group achieved the greatest compliance and the fewest moderate and severe adverse events. CONCLUSIONS: The novel bismuth-containing quadruple therapy with a low dose of minocycline and metronidazole is an alternative to classical bismuth quadruple therapy for H. pylori rescue treatment with superior safety and compliance. TRIAL REGISTRATION: ClinicalTrials.gov identifier: NCT06332599.

Vonoprazan Dual or Triple Therapy Versus Bismuth-Quadruple Therapy as First-Line Therapy for Helicobacter pylori Infection: A Three-Arm, Randomized Clinical Trial.

BACKGROUND: We compared efficacy of vonoprazan-dual or triple therapies and bismuth-quadruple therapy for treatment-naive Helicobacter pylori (HP) infection in Southern China, where primary resistance rates of clarithromycin and levofloxacin are >30%. METHODS: This was an investigator-initiated, three-arm, randomized clinical trial in Southern China. Between March 2022 and August 2023, treatment-naïve HP-infected adults were randomly assigned to receive one of three 14-day regimens (1:1:1 ratio): vonoprazan-dual (VA-dual; vonoprazan 20 mg twice daily and amoxicillin 1 g thrice daily), vonoprazan-triple (VAC-triple; vonoprazan 20 mg/amoxicillin 1 g/clarithromycin 500 mg twice daily), or bismuth-quadruple therapy containing bismuth, esomeprazole, tetracycline, and metronidazole. Primary outcome was noninferiority in HP eradication, evaluated by UBT 4-6 weeks post-treatment by intention-to-treat (ITT) and per-protocol (PP) analysis (based on subjects who completed 14-day treatment and rechecked UBT). Bonferroni-adjusted p-value of <0.017 was used to determine statistical significance. RESULTS: A total of 298 subjects (mean age: 35.7 ± 8.4 years; male: 134 [45.0%]; VC-dual: 100, VAC-triple: 98, bismuth-quadruple: 100) were enrolled, and 292 (98.0%) had UBT rechecked. ITT analysis showed that both VA-dual (eradication rate of 96.0%) and VAC-triple therapies (95.9%) were noninferior to bismuth-quadruple therapy (92.0%) (difference: 4.0%, 95% CI: -2.9% to 11.5%, p < 0.001; and 3.9%, 95% CI: -3.1% to 11.5%, p < 0.001, respectively). PP analysis also revealed noninferiority (96.7% or 96.7% vs. 97.4%, with difference: -2.9% and -2.9%, p = 0.009 and 0.010, respectively). The frequency of adverse events was 39.0%, 56.1%, and 71.0% in VA-dual, VAC-triple, and bismuth-quadruple therapies, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: VA-dual and VA-triple therapies are highly effective and noninferior to bismuth-quadruple therapy in Southern China. Given the lower adverse effects and fewer antibiotic use, VA-dual therapy is the preferred first-line treatment for HP infection. TRIAL REGISTRATION: Chinese Clinical Trial Registry (No. ChiCTR2200056375). Registered on February 4, 2022, https://www.chictr.org.cn/showproj.aspx?proj=14131.

Comparative evaluation of antimicrobial efficacy of various intracanal medicament in young permanent teeth: An in vivo study.

INTRODUCTION: Bacteria and their byproducts are key contributors to the onset and perpetuation of pulpoperiapical pathosis. Intracanal medication is vital in achieving successful endodontic outcomes as it targets and eradicates remaining microorganisms following biomechanical preparation. AIM AND OBJECTIVE: The aim of the study was to compare and evaluate the antimicrobial efficacy of calcium hydroxide (CH) paste, triple antibiotic paste (TAP), and probiotics (PBs) as intracanal medicament in 12-17-year-old children undergoing root canal treatment for the management of infected pulpal tissues in young permanent teeth. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A total of 30 patients aged 12-17 years indicated for endodontic therapy in maxillary incisors and with no systemic complications were selected. They were randomly divided into three groups, i.e., Group I - CH group, Group II - TAP, and Group III - PB allocating 10 teeth in each group. After access opening, the first sample (S1) was collected by inserting a paper point into the root canal, the second sample (S2) was collected immediately after biomechanical preparation, and the third sample (S3) was collected after 7 days, i.e., postintracanal medication. Samples were sent for microbiological analysis to assess the microbial count, and statistical analysis was done for the obtained data. RESULTS: The three intracanal medicaments were successful in reducing the microbial counts of Enterococcus faecalis in the infected root canals. However, according to the results of the study, the PB group demonstrated greater effectiveness against E. faecalis compared to the CH group and displayed similar antimicrobial efficacy as the TAP group. CONCLUSION: PB exhibited antimicrobial efficacy comparable to TAP but greater than Ca (OH) 2 paste. Hence, PB can be utilized as an intracanal medicament in young permanent teeth.

Third Kuwaiti Multicenter Survey of Antibiotic Susceptibility of Anaerobic Bacteria: A Comparative Analysis of 20-Year Data.

Objective: This study aimed to evaluate antibiotic susceptibility and antimicrobial resistance trends among clinically significant anaerobes in Kuwait hospitals from 2013 to 2022, comparing these findings with data from 2002 to 2012. Methods: The study prospectively collected 2,317 anaerobic isolates from various body sites across four Kuwaiti hospitals between January 2013 and December 2022. The minimum inhibitory concentrations for 11 antianaerobic antibiotics were determined using E-test methodology. The study analyzed trends and resistance rates across two periods: 2013-2017 and 2018-2022, using statistical analysis for resistance comparison. Results: Of the 2,317 isolates, most were from wounds (42.2%), fluids (28.0%), and tissues (20.5%). Bacteroides fragilis was the most common pathogen (34.0%), followed by Prevotella bivia (13.4%). Over 90% of isolates were susceptible to imipenem, meropenem, tigecycline, and metronidazole, whereas lower susceptibility was observed for penicillin, amoxicillin-clavulanic acid, and clindamycin. Notable differences in resistance profiles since 2002 were observed, especially in amoxicillin-clavulanic acid, piperacillin, piperacillin-tazobactam, and clindamycin. Conclusion: Owing to detected resistance to all antibiotics, susceptibility testing for anaerobic isolates is recommended in severe infections to ensure effective antimicrobial therapy. Continuous surveillance is crucial for developing antibiotic policies to manage invasive anaerobic infections.

Development and validation of next-generation sequencing panel for personalized Helicobacter pylori eradication treatment targeting multiple species.

Introduction: The decreasing Helicobacter pylori eradication rate is primarily attributed to antibiotic resistance, and further exacerbated by uniform drug administration disregarding a host's metabolic capability. Consequently, applying personalized treatment based on antibiotic resistance-associated variants and the host's metabolic phenotype can potentially increase the eradication rate. Method: A custom next-generation sequencing panel for personalized H. pylori eradication treatment (NGS-PHET) was designed which targeted the regions for amoxicillin, clarithromycin, metronidazole, tetracycline, and levofloxacin-resistance in H. pylori and human proton-pump inhibitor (PPI) metabolism. The libraries were constructed following customized methods and sequenced simultaneously. The customized framework criteria, grounded in previously reported antibiotic resistance associated variants and the host's PPI metabolism, was applied to the NGS-PHET results and suggested a personalized treatment for each subject, which was validated through each subject's actual eradication outcome. Results: Both previously reported and novel variants were identified from H. pylori sequencing results. Concurrently, five CYP2C19 homozygous extensive metabolizers and three CYP3A4 intermediate metabolizers were identified. Among the total of 12 subjects, clarithromycin triple therapy was suggested for five subjects, bismuth quadruple therapy was suggested for six subjects, and rifabutin triple therapy was suggested for one subject by following the customized framework criteria. The treatment suggestion for nine of the 12 subjects was consistent with the treatment that each subject achieved eradication with. Discussion: Applying the methodology using the NGS-PHET and customized framework helps to perform eradication treatment quickly and effectively in most patients with antibiotic-resistant H. pylori strains, and is also useful in research to find novel antibiotic-resistance candidates.

Evaluation of metronidazole oral monotherapy in anaerobic oral infections.

OBJECTIVES: To evaluate the indications and dosing regimens for oral metronidazole monotherapy (OMM) for the management of oral anaerobic infections (OAIs) other than periodontitis. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The study followed the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines in literature of PubMed/Medline, Scopus, and Cochrane databases. Data were retrieved from reports published in English in the period January 1, 1980 - August 30, 2023. Joanna Briggs Institute Critical Appraisal Tools were used to assess study risk of bias. RESULTS: A total of 228 articles were retrieved from the databases of which 16 met the inclusion criteria necessary for achieving the aims of the study. OAIs in which OMM was used or recommended included pericoronitis; necrotizing ulcerative gingivitis/periodontitis/stomatitis, osteomyelitis, acute periapical infection, and cellulitis. OMM was prescribed in dosages ranging from 200 to 500 mg t.i.d. for periods ranging from 2 to 7 days. Osteomyelitis of the jaw was the only infection for which the dosage regimen of metronidazole was not clearly described. CONCLUSION: Evidence from the databases searched support the view that OMM has clinical efficacy in the treatment of specific OAIs namely pericoronitis and necrotizing oral infections in immune-competent and immune-compromised patients. The evidence does not support the use of OMM in "deep tissue" infections such as osteomyelitis, and odontogenic infections such as acute apical infection and cellulitis. Clinical trials are warranted to determine the efficacy of OMM in comparison with other antibiotic regimens.

Bismuth-based quadruple therapy versus standard triple therapy for the eradication of Helicobacter pylori in Belgium: a multicentre, non-blinded randomized, prospective study.

Background: Helicobacter pylori (Hp) infection predisposes to malignant and non-malignant diseases warranting eradication. In Belgium, resistance rates for clarithromycin demonstrate regional variations making the use of standard triple therapy (STT) borderline acceptable. According to a recent Belgian survey, STT and bismuth-based quadruple therapy (BQT), are equally frequent prescribed as first line treatment for treatment naïve Hp positive patients. This study aims to evaluate the eradication rates (ER) of BQT versus STT. Methods: Multicentre, non-blinded randomized, prospective study comparing ER in treatment-naïve Hp positive patients. ER were compared by intention to treat (ITT) and per protocol (PP) analysis. Results: Overall 250 patients were included (STT 126, BQT 124). Seventeen patients were lost to follow-up (6,8%). No significant difference in ER between BQT and STT was observed in ITT (73% vs 68%, p= 0,54) neither in PP analysis (81% vs 75%, p= 0,33). Side effects and endoscopic findings were comparable between groups. Post-hoc analysis showed no differences according to gender or site allocation. Conclusion: The numerical advantage of BQT did not translate in a significant improvement of ER when compared with STT. These results question the cost-effectiveness of BQT, while confirming the suboptimal eradication rates on STT. A nationwide monitoring of resistance patterns, maximal investments in treatment adherence as well as a detailed follow-up of the changing treatment landscape are mandatory to continuously optimise Hp ER in Belgium.

Empirical Therapy Versus Tailored Therapy of Helicobacter pylori in Korea: Results of the K-CREATE Study.

BACKGROUND: The optimal duration of regimens for tailored therapy based on genotypic resistance for clarithromycin has yet to be established. AIM: This study was a nationwide, multicenter, randomized trial comparing empirical therapy with tailored therapy based on genotypic resistance for first-line eradication of Helicobacter pylori. We also compared the eradication rates of 7- and 14-day regimens for each group. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Patients with H. pylori infection were first randomized to receive empirical or tailored therapy. Patients in each group were further randomized into 7- or 14-day regimens. Empirical therapy consisted of a triple therapy (TT) regimen (twice-daily doses of pantoprazole 40 mg, amoxicillin 1 g, and clarithromycin 500 mg) for 7 or 14 days. Tailored therapy consisted of TT of 7 or 14 days in patients without genotypic resistance. Patients with genotypic resistance were treated with bismuth quadruple therapy (BQT) regimens (twice-daily doses of pantoprazole 40 mg, three daily doses of metronidazole 500 mg, and four times daily doses of bismuth 300 mg and tetracycline 500 mg) for 7 or 14 days. A 13C-urea breath test assessed eradication rates. The primary outcome was eradication rates of each group. RESULTS: A total of 593 patients were included in the study. The eradication rates were 65.7% (201/306) in the empirical therapy group and 81.9% (235/287) in the tailored therapy group for intention-to-treat analysis (p < 0.001). In the per-protocol analysis, the eradication rates of the empirical therapy and tailored groups were 70.3% (201/286) and 85.5% (235/274) (p < 0.001), respectively. There was no difference in compliance between the two groups. The rate of adverse events was higher in the tailored group compared to the empirical group (p < 0.001). DISCUSSION: Our study confirmed that tailored therapy based on genotypic resistance was more effective than empirical therapy for H. pylori eradication in Korea. However, no significant difference was found between 7- and 14-day regimens for each group. Future studies are needed to determine the optimal duration of therapy for empirical and tailored therapy regimens.

A randomised controlled clinical study of standard triple therapy, bismuth-based quadruple therapy and sequential therapy for Helicobacter pylori infection in children.

BACKGROUND AND AIM: Bismuth and non-bismuth quadruple therapy are the guideline-recommended first-line therapy in children with Helicobacter pylori infection in areas with high antibiotic resistance. However, their efficacy in children is uncertain and there are few well-designed studies. Here, we evaluated the eradication rates of standard triple therapy, bismuth-based quadruple therapy and sequential therapy in children with H. pylori infection. METHODS: A randomised controlled trial was conducted in children infected with H. pylori in West China Second Hospital. They were randomly assigned to 14-day standard triple therapy (omeprazole + amoxicillin + clarithromycin), 14-day bismuth quadruple therapy (bismuth + omeprazole + amoxicillin + clarithromycin) and 10-day sequential therapy (omeprazole + amoxicillin for 5 days followed by omeprazole + clarithromycin + metronidazole for 5 days). The eradication rate was assessed by a 13C-urea breath test 4 to 6 weeks after therapy completion. Symptom improvement and adverse events were compared among the groups. RESULTS: In total, 132 patients were enrolled. The eradication rates of 14-day standard triple therapy, 14-day bismuth quadruple therapy and 10-day sequential therapy were 70.0%, 78.9% and 50.0% in per-protocol analysis and 63.6%, 68.2% and 43.2% in intention-to-treat analysis, respectively. Symptom improvement and adverse drug event rates were similar in the three groups. CONCLUSION: The three therapeutic regimens evaluated in this study are equally not recommendable for H. pylori infection treatment due to unsatisfactory eradication rates. The high prevalence of clarithromycin resistance makes the use of clarithromycin-based quadruple therapy not advisable, even in combination with amoxicillin and bismuth salts.

Standardization of quantitative PCR (qPCR) method to detect the level of parasitaemia in Babesia gibsoni infected dogs.

The present investigation aimed to quantitatively assess the level of parasitemia in dogs using qPCR.The dogs selected for this study were infected with the haemoprotozoan parasite Babesia gibsoni. In the study, dogs diagnosed with babesiosis were divided into two groups (n = 12) and subjected to distinct treatment strategies. The first group received clindamycin-metronidazole-doxycycline (CMD) therapy, while the second group was treated with a combination of buparvaquone-azithromycin (BPV-AZM). The level of parasitemia in the infected dogs was determined using an absolute quantification-based qPCR method. This assessment was conducted both prior to initiating the treatment and on the 10th day following the commencement of the treatment protocols. On the tenth day after the initiation of treatment, the CMD group exhibited a lower level of parasitemia in comparison to the BPV-AZM group. In the CMD treated groups, the mean parasitemia decreased from 4.9E + 06 to 3.4E + 06, indicating a reduction in parasitic load. Conversely, in the BPV-AZM treatment groups, the mean parasitemia increased from 1.62E + 06 to 2.87E + 06, suggesting an increase in parasitic load. On the 10th day, the CMD-treated group demonstrated a statistically significant decline in the level of parasitemia, with a P-value of ≤0.001. This indicates a strong and significant reduction in parasitic load following the CMD treatment. Therefore, the absolute quantification-based qPCR method could effectively assess the initial treatment response by measuring the level of parasitemia.

Real-world efficacy of second-line therapies for Helicobacter pylori: a population-based study.

BACKGROUND: With the increasing prevalence of antibiotic resistance, real-world data on the optimal empirical second-line therapy for Helicobacter pylori are still limited. OBJECTIVES: To evaluate the real-world efficacy of various second-line therapies for H. pylori. PATIENTS AND METHODS: This was a retrospective population-based cohort study of all H. pylori-infected patients who had received the second-line treatment after the failure of primary clarithromycin triple therapy in Hong Kong between 2003 and 2018. The retreatment success rates of different second-line therapies were evaluated. RESULTS: A total of 7591 patients who received second-line treatment were included. Notably, the most commonly prescribed regimen was still clarithromycin triple therapy, but the frequency of use had decreased from 59.5% in 2003-06 to 28.7% in 2015-18. Concomitant non-bismuth quadruple therapy had emerged as the commonest regimen (from 3.3% to 43.9%). In a validation analysis, the sensitivity and specificity of retreatment-inferred second-line treatment failure were 88.3% and 97.1%, respectively. The overall success rate of second-line therapies was 73.6%. Bismuth quadruple therapy had the highest success rate of 85.6%, while clarithromycin triple therapy had the lowest success rate of 63.5%. Specifically, bismuth/metronidazole/tetracycline quadruple, metronidazole/tetracycline triple, levofloxacin/metronidazole/tetracycline quadruple, rifabutin/amoxicillin triple and amoxicillin/levofloxacin triple therapies had relatively higher success rates over 80%. Age, treatment duration, baseline conditions and first-line treatment used were associated with success rate. CONCLUSIONS: Bismuth quadruple therapy was the most effective second-line regimen for H. pylori in this real-world study. Despite a very low success rate, clarithromycin-containing triple therapies were still commonly used as second-line regimens.

Isolation and identification of hoylesella marshii causing pleural infection: a case report.

BACKGROUND: Hoylesella marshii can be isolated from human oral cavities affected by dental pulp and periodontal infections, as well as from the dental plaque of healthy individuals, making it a common bacterium within the oral microbiota. However, its role in causing pleural infections in humans is rare. CASE PRESENTATION: A case of purulent pleural effusion occurred shortly after discharge in an elderly patient who had undergone surgery for gastric cancer. The infection was identified as being caused by an obligate anaerobe through laboratory culture, and was further identified as Hoylesella marshii causing pleural infection through 16 S rRNA gene sequence analysis. Susceptibility testing guided precise treatment with cefoperazone-sulbactam and metronidazole. The patient's clinical symptoms improved rapidly, laboratory test indicators gradually returned to normal, and the patient ultimately recovered. CONCLUSION: Hoylesella marshii can cause pleural infections in humans. Clinical microbiology laboratories should pay special attention to the cultivation of obligate anaerobes when routine aerobic cultures do not show bacterial growth but bacteria are visible on smear staining, and when conventional identification methods fail to identify the bacterium, analysis based on the highly conserved 16 S rRNA gene sequence can accurately and specifically identify the bacterium, guiding clinicians in formulating precise anti-infection strategies.

Assessment of a combined mouthwash on pain relief in pericoronitis: a randomized clinical study.

BACKGROUND: Pericoronitis, an inflammation near wisdom teeth, often occurs when they are partially emerged, especially in the lower jaw. Commonly, the gingiva partially envelops the tooth. Treatments vary from gingival surgery to extraction. This study assessed the efficacy of a mouthwash with Chlorhexidine, Benzydamine, Nanosilver, Amoxicillin, and Metronidazole for pain reduction and enhancement of maximum mouth opening in acute pericoronitis cases. MATERIALS AND METHODS: In this randomized controlled clinical trial conducted at the Gorgan Dental Faculty, 48 pericoronitis patients were randomized into two groups. The control group used a 0.12% chlorhexidine mouthwash, while the case group used a mouthwash containing Chlorhexidine, Benzydamine, Nanosilver, Amoxicillin, and Metronidazole. The study recorded Visual Analog Scale (VAS) scores for 7 days, and Maximum mouth opening (MMO) was measured at the start and after 7 days. The analysis was performed using SPSS v20. RESULTS: In this study, we compared the effects of a combined mouthwash with those of a chlorhexidine mouthwash on pericoronitis in 48 patients, with an average age of 21.56 years. No significant difference in pain reduction was observed between the groups; however, both groups exhibited decreased pain and improved MMO post-treatment. The gender distribution was balanced across both groups. CONCLUSION: The results indicate that both chlorhexidine mouthwash and combined mouthwash significantly improved maximum mouth opening. Nonetheless, there were no notable differences in efficacy between the two groups. These findings suggest that these mouthwashes may be beneficial for oral hygiene, warranting further in-depth research. TRIAL REGISTRATION: Registered on 12/03/2023, registration number IRCT20230104057046N1.